Criminology Program
Transforming Knowledge into Justice
Understanding crime means understanding society—and transforming both.
The Department of Sociology is home to one of the nation’s premier criminology programs, widely recognized for its scholarly rigor and societal impact.
Our distinguished faculty and students are tackling the most pressing challenges of our time—from reducing violence and strengthening communities to improving reentry, reforming criminal justice systems, and shaping policies that promote equity and safety.
Criminology at Ohio State goes far beyond the study of crime: it’s about people, systems, and solutions.
Our work combines cutting-edge data science with real-world partnerships to inform policy debates and contribute to more effective, equitable systems of justice—locally, nationally, and globally.
Studying Crime and Justice at Ohio State
Supporting the Department of Sociology’s Criminology Program helps fund student scholarships and internships, supports faculty research that saves lives, builds partnerships that strengthen communities, and promotes innovation through data analytics and outreach initiatives.
This support drives research and education that make a real difference in people’s lives. Together, we can create a safer, more just society.
Undergraduate students benefit from the CJRC’s comprehensive internship program, which places them in key agencies, including:
- The Columbus Police Homicide unit
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
- The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office,
- The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
These placements provide substantive professional experience and a direct connection between academic study and practical application.
Through rigorous scholarship, innovative teaching, and meaningful engagement with public agencies, Ohio State’s Department of Sociology equips students, researchers, and community partners to confront the most urgent challenges in crime and justice with clarity, evidence, and impact.
Driving Change Through Research
Ohio State criminologists turn knowledge into action.
Their research informs national security strategies, strengthens local prevention initiatives, and reshapes policy conversations from the White House to local courthouses.
Violence, Extremism, and Public Safety:
Criminology faculty, including Dr. Dugan, Dr. Haynie, and Dr. Nzitatira, study the roots and ripple effects of violence — from everyday crime to terrorism, hate movements, and genocide.
Their work explores how violent extremism spreads, how policies and interventions can prevent violence, and how societies respond to mass atrocities.
This research informs national security strategies, community-based prevention initiatives, and educational programs designed to foster resilience against hate and violence.
Communities, Neighborhoods, and Social Networks:
Research conducted by faculty members (Dr. Alston, Dr. Bellair, Dr. Browning, Dr. Haynie, and Dr. Price-Spratlen) highlights the critical role of place and relationships in shaping crime and well-being.
Studies examine how neighborhood environments, grassroots organizations, and faith-based institutions influence crime prevention, health disparities, and civic life.
Using innovative network and spatial approaches, faculty reveal how peer groups, families, and broader social ties contribute to delinquency, reentry, and youth development.
Transformative Research, Real-World Impact
Criminal Justice Policy and Reentry:
Faculty such as Dr. Bellair, Dr. Lopez, and Dr. Vuolo engage deeply with questions of incarceration, prisoner reentry, and justice reform.
Their work evaluates correctional programs, parole systems, and post-prison reintegration, with an emphasis on reducing recidivism and improving mental health outcomes.
Collaborations with agencies such as the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office ensure that research findings directly inform policy and practice across Ohio and the nation.
Drugs, Health, and Inequality:
Dr. Haynie and Dr. Vuolo’s research examines the intersections of substance use, drug policy, and health.
This includes analyzing the effectiveness of drug laws, the structure and function of online drug cryptomarkets, the impact of criminal records on employment, and the health challenges—such as mental illness and traumatic brain injuries—faced by justice-involved individuals.
Surveillance, Law, and Society:
Another area of focus is the study of surveillance and legal systems.
Dr. Alston’s research explores how surveillance technologies operate across neighborhoods, prisons, and parole programs, raising questions about inequality, social control, and the balance between safety and civil liberties.
Complementary teaching and research also examine the broader relationship between law and society, illuminating how legal institutions both reflect and shape social life.
Invest in the Future of Justice
Supporting the Department of Sociology’s Criminology Program helps fund student scholarships and internships, supports faculty research that saves lives, builds partnerships that strengthen communities, and promotes innovation through data analytics and outreach initiatives.
This support drives research and education that make a real difference in people’s lives. Together, we can create a safer, more just society.
Your gift makes a difference in the lives of students.